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Gaming in a loud space?

tsumake

Member
I live in a rather large noisy city next to a rather noisy street. I’ve noticed then when I visit relatives it’s easier for me to get into a game because the house is rather quiet. I’m more at ease in general, making it easier ti get into the experience.

Anyone else have to deal with a noisy environment? I’m going to try noise canceling headphones to address the issue.
 

fart town usa

Gold Member
I live in a rather large noisy city next to a rather noisy street. I’ve noticed then when I visit relatives it’s easier for me to get into a game because the house is rather quiet. I’m more at ease in general, making it easier ti get into the experience.

Anyone else have to deal with a noisy environment? I’m going to try noise canceling headphones to address the issue.
Yea, just get some headphones. I use the Sony gold ones, I'm not sure what their exact name is. They can go wireless for 7.1 and aux for stereo. I use it for all my gaming.

Keep in mind that they can only be wireless with the PS4 but yea, definitely get yourself a nice pair of over the ear headphones. It makes such a world of difference. Different gameplay experience entirely. Also, if you go aux spend the extra couple bucks for a quality cable that is shielded well. It will make a difference.
 
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TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Define noisy.

Anyway, isn't playing with normal headphones enough to cancel the noise?
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space

Yep, get these OP. They'll change your life if you live in a really noisy area, the first time you use ANC it's a mind blower. The Bose QuietComforts are another option, but I've owned both before and would recommend the Sony pair for everything except neutral sound.

Don't skimp and buy cheap ANC headphones, it's worth it to save a little more, buy them used if you need to. Strongly recommend that Sony pair.
 

Soodanim

Gold Member
Are things like 7.1 worth it in headphones?
To put it another way, would OP be better off
with:
  1. Sony gaming headphones
  2. A proper pair of decent ANC headphones from an audio brand and product line
  3. A pair of high quality closed back headphones?
 

cormack12

Gold Member
Get yourself a pair of these bad boys

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tsumake

Member
Are things like 7.1 worth it in headphones?
To put it another way, would OP be better off
with:
  1. Sony gaming headphones
  2. A proper pair of decent ANC headphones from an audio brand and product line
  3. A pair of high quality closed back headphones?

I have a pair of DT770s. Great headphones, but they’re 250ohms so I’d need to connect it to a decent amp.

I have no interest in surround sound. For headphones, 2 channels are fine.

Again, I want to see if the Q20 is enough. Sound quality isn’t a concern for me yet, I just want a cheap entry to try ANC. But the recs are appreciated.
 

Soodanim

Gold Member
I have a pair of DT770s. Great headphones, but they’re 250ohms so I’d need to connect it to a decent amp.

I have no interest in surround sound. For headphones, 2 channels are fine.

Again, I want to see if the Q20 is enough. Sound quality isn’t a concern for me yet, I just want a cheap entry to try ANC. But the recs are appreciated.
I don’t use my headphones much anymore, but I also have some 770s (80ohm though). I’m wondering if I’m behind on the advances of headphone tech, because I was always told that you’re much better off going for high quality 2.1 than shitty 7.1.

I’m definitely curious about ANC.
 

tsumake

Member
I don’t use my headphones much anymore, but I also have some 770s (80ohm though). I’m wondering if I’m behind on the advances of headphone tech, because I was always told that you’re much better off going for high quality 2.1 than shitty 7.1.

I’m definitely curious about ANC.

Yeah, just stick to 2 channel for headphones. I’ve heard great things about Dolby Headphone, but that’s done at the source, not the headphones.

I love the sound signature of the DT770. A little too much bass for my taste but not enough to equalize.
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
I live in a rather large noisy city next to a rather noisy street. I’ve noticed then when I visit relatives it’s easier for me to get into a game because the house is rather quiet. I’m more at ease in general, making it easier ti get into the experience.

Anyone else have to deal with a noisy environment? I’m going to try noise canceling headphones to address the issue.
What is the background noise, even measure by some mobile app?
 

M1chl

Currently Gif and Meme Champion
Around 34 decibels
Hmm that's not that evilish, I would suggest get closed headphones and that would be it, don't go with opened ones. Granted if you are able to focus on game with headphones, I know people who are not able to do that, if not willing, buy those sound dampering foams. Those wall high ones, and put it around your room, it will make your sound more in and outside sound more out. They are not that expensive, if you are not buying those small tiles.
 

manfestival

Member
Soundproof your walls.

Get a good system.

DO NOT go the headphone route as you may damage your ears.

Or do.
Are you saying that because people generally lack the self control of putting headphones at a proper volume? I think headphones are a great recommendation but yeah there needs to be more awareness that they don't need to be cranked... especially IEM/Buds.
I know going with garbage headphones that people often are inclined to increase volume but when getting a great pair of headphones you really don't need to increase the volume to get a fulfilling sound. I have always recommended going a little higher than $100 to most people to avoid that and for many more reasons.
 
S

SLoWMoTIoN

Unconfirmed Member
Are you saying that because people generally lack the self control of putting headphones at a proper volume? I think headphones are a great recommendation but yeah there needs to be more awareness that they don't need to be cranked... especially IEM/Buds.
I know going with garbage headphones that people often are inclined to increase volume but when getting a great pair of headphones you really don't need to increase the volume to get a fulfilling sound. I have always recommended going a little higher than $100 to most people to avoid that and for many more reasons.

He is trying to drown outside noise with headphones...
 

Moogle11

Banned
He is trying to drown outside noise with headphones...
Over the ear headphones with a decent seal should allow doing that without super blasting the volume. If he's living somewhere too noisy for that to work, moving is the ultimate solution. I've lived in pretty noisy urban areas for the past couple decades and never been had to blare my headphones to hear clearly. Yeah, you'll still hear sirens when emergency vehicles drive by, train horns etc., but you just learn to tune that out (or move away if you're not able to).
 

Traxtech

Member
I wouldn't get a pair of noise cancelling headphones, just get a good pair of closed backs.

IF it's pure gaming I'd highly recommend the hyper x cloud flight as they're closed back with great sound.

Can be had for cheap and with a pad upgrade(wicked pads) sound better than arctis pro wireless for a fraction of the cost.
 

Celcius

°Temp. member
Here’s another vote for the WH-1000XM4. They often go on sale for like $280 so I wouldn’t pay the full retail $350.
 
Define noisy.

Anyway, isn't playing with normal headphones enough to cancel the noise?
Normal headphones dont dampen noises much usually.

I could hear my ps4 fan through ps4 headset. And games have quiet moments too

Noise canceling works really well vs engine/road noises .


Ps. This is probably the source of "my console us silent" lies, people living in too noisy homes so it will be masked by other noises
 

Griffon

Member
Bose QC35 II noise canceling headphones. Pricey but absolutely worth the tranquility.

Got my pair during lockdown, it saved my sanity.
 
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luxsol

Member
Soundproofing

A lot of sound will travel through your windows very easily, so you should make a plug out of wood and folded up old towels. Install some latches on either swide of the window box to keep the plug in place. https://soundproofliving.com/make-diy-soundproof-window-plug/
video:


If you want to go fancier, use some mass loaded vinyl too (as an addition to the towels).

Also, i agree with whomever said that headphones can cause damage to your hearing. Turning up your speakers will actually be less harmful. Closed back headphones can be great though.
 

HE1NZ

Banned
I live in a rather large noisy city next to a rather noisy street. I’ve noticed then when I visit relatives it’s easier for me to get into a game because the house is rather quiet. I’m more at ease in general, making it easier ti get into the experience.

Anyone else have to deal with a noisy environment? I’m going to try noise canceling headphones to address the issue.
Get a good monitor headphones. Closed and stereo. $200 on Sennheiser or something like and it should be great. I also don't like noise interference and use headphones for everything. They're also great if your PC/console is noisy.
 

nowhat

Member
Get the new version, WH-1000XM4.
TBH, isn't the main difference that 4 can receive audio from two sources at the same time? Personally no use for the feature, so I got the 3 (which can be had "cheaply" at the moment as that model is being phased out).
 

Justin9mm

Member
But everyone who has a PS4 or PS4 Pro is gaming in a loud space, they're basically living by an Airport. You can hear the planes taking off all the time!
 

TheContact

Member
if you want noise cancelling get the bose qc35s. i've had mine for years and i use them almost every day. really solid well built headphones.
if you don't need the noise cancelling, get the hyper X cloud 2's. best value for the $ imo. I use that for gaming and, after years of daily use, they still work great.
 

recursive

Member
Use headphones... problem fixed.

There is expensive way... make a gaming room with sound protection.
Yea or move to a new location.

Other option is a get a 5.1 or 7.1 setup and crank it up. Immerse yourself.

Most noise comes in through the windows. Could try hanging some thick noise blocking curtains or put up a slab of insulation while playing.
 

Tschumi

Member
I don't really care either way, sorry! If it's noisy i enjoy the comfy cocoon feeling, if it's quiet then, yeah, i don't need earphones
 
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Moogle11

Banned
Use headsets with leather caps, it should isolate most of the noise out.
This. The leather really makes a difference. My Steelseries 7Xs came with cloth caps that I didn’t like. Ordered their leather ones and they’re way comfier and seal better to block out more outside noise. Still a little soft and loose fitting, so I’ve ordered the Wicked Cushions leather caps everyone seems to rave about and hoping I like those even more.

Cranking surround sound isn’t an option for me as sound carries too much in our old house and I’m usually gaming while my wife is either working in the next room, watching TV in the living room also beside my game room or sleeping in our bedroom upstairs above it. Hell, cranking it loud enough to drown out traffic etc. would probably bother the neighbor too since our houses are like 10 feet apart and there’s a window in my gaming room that far form a window on her living room.

Headphones are just a must for gaming at a reasonable volume in a shared space and in a city with ambient noise to block it. I don’t have to turn the volume up all that loud with leather caps to block out the traffic etc. Plus my surround set up is old and cheap anyway so I honestly get a better experience with the 7xs (and Sony Golds last gen when I didn’t need something that also worked wirelessly on Xbox). Wish I’d just ditched the surround set up for a sound bar (just for TV/sports watching) when we moved as that would be less wire and speaker clutter and the surround rarely gets used anymore.
 

tsumake

Member
First thoughts on the Anker Q20: sound quality is mediocre but the ANC helps to isolate the room and makes it easier to focus on gaming. I may invest in the Sony later on, but I’m finding that ANC helps calm a room down.
 
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